Quick connect pedal connector



Feb. l1, 1969 H. H. sLlNGE-RLAND, JR 3,426,640

QUICK CONNECT PEDAL CONNECTOR Filed Feb. 9, 1965 Sheet CT PEDAL CONNECTOR Feb. ll, 1969 Filed Feb. 9, 1966 l 15g 132 145 hw jjgjb@ 7 y Feb. 11, 1969 H. H. SLINGERLAND, JR

QUICK CONNECT PEDAL CONNECTOR Filed Feb. 9, 1966 Sheet of 253 23.] 3 23.2@` 52 5 m 225 36a L United States Patent O Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Means for connecting the foot pedal of a drum apparatus removably to the drum for facilitated assembly and disassembly. The connecting means includes a connector member swingably carried on the drum. The connector member movement may be controlled by means limiting the movement to a preselected retracted position. Further, the connector member may be releaseably held in the retracted position. The connector member alternatively may be secured to the drum shell by a bracket which is removably connected to the shell by cooperating interlocking shoulder means on the bracket and shell. The connector member may be pivotally mounted on the counterhoop. The means for securing the connector member may comprise a spring biased plunger.

This invention relates to music apparatus and in particular to drum apparatus. Still more specifically the invention is concerned with the connecting of a pedal device to a. drum, such as a bass drum.

In one conventional form of apparatus for connecting a pedal device to a drum, the pedal device is provided with a clamp means arranged to clampedly engage the rim of the bass drum. The clamp device is conventionally provided with a knob or similarly manually operable device for effecting the desired clamped engagement. Such known structures have the serious ldisadvantage of diiculty of connection and likelihood of scratching and otherwise mating the drum rim so as to prevent an unsightly appearance.

Still another disadvantage of such conventional connecting means is that the known connecting devices require a substantial amount of time to effect the desired connection and, further, are not positive in use as the amount of clamping force is conventionally controlled solely by the users feel and thus may vary over a wide range so that at times the drum rim may be overly tightly clamped, while at other times it may be overly loosely clamped permitting undesirable separation of the drum from the pedal.

The present invention comprehends an improved means for connecting a pedal to a drum eliminating the above discussed disadvantages of the conventional known devices.

Thus, a principal feature of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved connecting means for use in connecting a pedal to a drum.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means for use in a drum apparatus having a drum having an end provided with an annular counterhoop and a pedal having a support and means for beating a drum as a result of the actuation by a users foot, wherein the connecting means comprises a connector member, means for swingably carrying the connector member on one of either the pedal support or the counterhoop, and means for detachably interlocking the connector member to the other of the pedal support or counterhoop. A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the interlocking means comprises a quick-connect device.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of 3,426,640 Patented Feb. 11, 1969 such a connecting means wherein the interlocking means comprises a pair of shoulders cooperatively associated in an interlocking arrangement to positively preclude separation of the pedal from the drum.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means further including means for limiting the swing of the connector member toward the drum end to position the connector member in a retracted position closely spaced from the drum end.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of Such a connecting means wherein the carrying means comprises hinge means.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the carrying means comprises pivot means.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the connector is disposed fully radially within the annular counterhoolp in the retracted position.

Yet another feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the carrying means is secured to a radially outer portion of the counterhoop.

A yet further feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the limiting means is secured to a radially inner portion of the counterhoop.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the carrying means and the limiting means are secured to a radially inner portion of the counterhoo'p.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the carrying means includes spring means providing for limited movement of the connector member transversely to the direction of the swing thereof.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means further including means for releasably holding the connector member in a retracted position.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the holding means and carrying means comprise a frictionally tight hinge means.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the holding means comprises a clip carried on the same apparatus as that on which the connector member is swingably carried.

A yet further feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the connector member is attached to the pedal and the means for connecting the connector member to the drum is attached to the counterhoop.

Another feature of the invention is the iprovision of such a connecting means wherein the means for connecting the connector member to the drum is attached to the drum shell.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the connector member is carried by a bracket attached to the drum shell, with the connector member being hingedly connected to the bracket.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a connecting means wherein the bracket is detachably secured to the drum shell.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a drum apparatus having a means embodying the invention for connecting a pedal to a counterhoop of lthe apparatus;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary horizontal `section taken substantially along the line 2 2 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical section taken substantially along the line 3--3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially along the line 4--4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially along the line 5 5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary horizontal section similar to that of FIGURE 2, but illustrating a modified form of connecting means;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantia'lly along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary vertical sect-ion taken substantially along the line 8-8 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary horizontal section illustrating the disposition of the connector member in the retracted position;

FIGURE 10 is a vertical section taken substantially along the line 10-10 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary horizontal section similar to that of FIGURE 2 but illustrating a further modied form of connecting means;

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially along the line 12-12 of FIGURE ll;

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary vertical section generally similar to that of FIGURE 12, but illustrating another modified form of connecting means;

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary vertical section generally similar to that of FIGURE l2, but illustrating still another form of connecting means;

FIGURE l5 is a fragmentary vertical section generally similar to that of FIGURE l2, but illustrating yet another modified form of connecting means; and

FIGURE 16 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the connecting means of FIGURE l5.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention as disclosed in FIGURES l through 5 of the drawing, a drum apparatus generally designated 10 is shown to comprise a drum 11 of conventional construction having a beating head 12 mounted under tension across one end of a tubular shell 13 by means of a hoop 14 and a connecting counterhoop 15. As shown, the counterhoop provides an annular pressure force against the hoop 14 to force ythe head 12 tightly across the end of the shell 13 in the conventional drumhead mounting manner.

The drum apparatus 10 further includes a pedal 16 of generally conventional construction including a base 17 and a foot pedal 18 pivotally carried on a heel portion 19 connected to the base 17. The pedal 16 may be of any conventional construction and herein is shown to include a pair of uprights 20 each having an upper end 21 in whic'h a cross-rod 22 is journaled for rotational movement about its axis. At one end 23, the rod projects outwardly from the upright end 21 and is provided with a spring connector 24. A spring 25 is connected at one end to the connector 24 and at its other end to an adjusting screw 26 threaded in a suitable boss 27 on the upright 20 adjacent the base 17.

Mounted on the cross-rod 22 intermediate the uprig'hts 20 is a connector 28 which carries a beater 29. A strap 30 is connected between the forward end of the pedal 18 and the connector 28 so that when the user depresses the pedal 18 the beater 29 is swung about the axis of the rod 22 to strike the drumhead 12. Suitable adjustment of the screw 26 provides for control of the spring tension against which the operation of the foot pedal acts in the beating operation.

The present invention is concerned with the means for connecting the pedal 16 to the drum 11. The present invention comprehends an improved connector generally designated 31 which, as shown in FIGURE l, is adapted to connect the base 17 of the pedal 16 to the counterhoop 15 of the drum 11. The connector 31 herein comprises a quick-connect type connector which while being readily operable to effect the desired connection and disconnection of the pedal 16 relative to the drum 11 provides a positive interlocked connection therebetween in the connected arrangement as shown in FIGURE l.

More specifically, referring now to FIGURES 2 through 5, the connector 31 includes a connector member 32 comprising an elongated bar having one end 33 swingably carried on the counterhoop 15 by a hinge 34. As shown in FIGURE 3, one leaf 35 of the hinge 34 is secured to the connector bar end 33 by suitable means such as rivet 36. The other leaf 37 of the 'hinge 34 is connected to the counterhoop 15 by suitable means such as rivet 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 34 is preferably provided with a hinge pin 39 having a tight frictional fit in the leaves 35 and 36 so as to provide a selectively retained positioning of the connector bar 32. Further, as shown in FIGURE 3, a stop clip 40 is secured to the counterhoop 15 by the rivet means 38 to extend radially inwardly from the counterhoop in closely spaced relationship to the drumhead 12.

The connector 31 further includes a cap 41 carried on a boss 42 on pedal base 17 and secured thereto by suitable means such as screws 43. Cap 41 is provided with a slot 44 adapted to receive the distal end 45 of the connector bar 32. As shown in FIGURE 3, the forward end 46 of the connector bar portion 45 is relieved, the entrance portion 47 of the slot 44 is relieved, and the boss 42 is correspondingly relieved at 48 to provide for facilitated insertion of the connector bar end 45 into the slot 44. The connector bar preferably :has a relatively close fit with the side -walls 49 of the slot 44, as shown in FIGURE 2, so as to minimize transverse play in the connection of the connector bar 32 to the pedal 16.

The connector bar is provided with an opening 50 in its outer end 45. The cap 41 is provided with a vertical bore 51 defined at its upper end by an inturned flange 52. A retaining pin 53 extends coaxially through the bore 51 and includes at its lower end an interlocking head 54 adapted to be snugly received in the opening 50 of the connector bar, as shown in FIGURE 3. The interlocking head 54 is biased downwardly by suitable means such as coil spring 55 com-pressed between ange 52 and head 54 in Ibore 51. Manipulation of the pin 53 may be effected by means of a handle 56 secured to the upper end of the pin to permit a selective retraction of the head 54 from the connector bar 50 when desired. Further, as shown in FIGURE 3, the head 54 is preferably rounded so that the relieved surface 46 may function to automatically raise the head 54 when the connector bar is inserted into the slot 44, thereby further facilitating the connection of the -pedal 16 to the drum 11.

To install the pedal 16 on the drum 11 by means of the connector 31, the user merely swings the connector bar 32 downwardly from the retracted position of FIG- URE 5 to the connecting position of FIGURE 3. The drum may at this time be disposed in the normal position, as shown in FIGURE l, as the user need merely cause relative movement between the connector bar 32 and the pedal 16 to effect the insertion of the forward end 45 of the connector bar into the slot 44 to the position wherein the pin head 54 moves into the opening 50 of the connector bar to positively interlock the connector bar to the pedal. The counterhoop 15 rests on suitably spaced legs 57 projecting from the base 17, as shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, so as to effectively cradle the drum 11 and provide for a positive interlocking connection between the drum and the pedal 16.

When it is desired to disconnect the pedal 16 from the drum 11, the user merely pulls up on the handle 56 while urging the pedal 16 and drum 11, respectively, apart, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal extent of the connector bar 32. By withdrawing the pin head 54 from the opening 50 of the connector bar, free separating movement therebetween is provided. Upon separation of the pedal 16 from the drum 11, the user may readily position the connector bar 32 in a retracted position, as shown in FIGURE 5, by merely swinging the connector bar on the hinge 34 to the retracted yposition Vwherein the connector bar is facially juxtaposed to the drumhead 12.

The stop' 40 automatically positions the connector bar in this retracted position by Virtue of the abutment of the connector bar therewith, in the illustrated embodiment the rivet 36 engages the stop 40 in the retracted position.

Turning now to FIGURES 6 through l0, a modified form of drum apparatus generally designated 110 is shown to comprise a drum apparatus generally similar to drum apparatus 10, but having a modified form of connector 131 adapted for use with a modified counterhoop 115 of the drum 111. Elements of drum apparatus 110 which are similar to elements of drum apparatus 10 are identified herein by similar reference numerals, except one hundred higher. Other than disclosed below, drum apparatus 110 is similar to and functions in a similar manner to drum apparatus 10.

More specifically, counterhoop 115 comprises an annular hoop formed Iof a material, such as wood, adapted to bear against the hoop 114 to apply tension to the drumhead 112. Pedal 116 is similar to pedal 16 and is provided with a boss 142 and cap 141 cooperating to define a slot 144 for selectively receiving a connector bar 132 of the 'connector 131. The connector includes a manipulating handle 156 carried on an interlocking pin 153.

The outer end 133 of the connector bar 132 is connected to the counterhoop 115 by a pivot means, herein comprising a pivot screw 135, extending through a suitable opening 158 in the outer end 133 of the connector bar. A suitable washer 159 is disposed about screw .135 between connector bar end 133 and the counter hoop 115 to facilitate pivoted movement of the connector bar end 133 0n the counterhoop. The connector bar end 133 is biased against the washer 159 by means of a coil spring 160 compressed between the connector bar end 133 and a spring retainer washer 161 .adjustably positioned on screw 135 by a nut 162 threaded to the outer end of the screw.

The connector 131 further includes a clip 140 secured to the counterhoop by suitable -means such as rivets 138. The clip 140 includes an inturned flange 163 facially juxtaposed to the drumhead 112, as shown in FIGURES 9 and l0. As best seen in FIGURE 9, the outer end of the connector bar 132 may be provided with a relieved surfacel 146 for facilitated manipulation of the `connector bar between the retracted position of FIGURES 8, 9 and l0 and the connecting position of FIGURES 6 and 7.

In utilizing the connector 13.1 for connecting the drum 111 to the pedal 116, the user firstly pivotally swings the connector bar 132 to the connecting position of FIGURE 6 and effects relative inserting movement between the connector bar 132 and the slot 144 of the connector 131 carried by the pedal 116. When the connector bar 132 is fully inserted in the slot 144 as shown in FIGURE 6, the drum 111 is positively interlocked with the pedal 116. As shown, the counterhoop 115 is cradled at this time on the legs 157 of the pedal base 117 so as to provide a secure positive connection between the drum and pedal.

When the user wishes to disconnect the pedal from the drum, he merely suitably manipulates the handle 1156 to permit the withdrawal of the connector bar 132 from the slot 144. Upon -such removal, the user then may move the connector vbar 132 to the retracted position of FIG- URES 9 and 10 by simply pivotally swinging the bar to bring the outer end 145 into overlying relationship with the retaining clip 140. The spring 160 resiliently biases the connector bar 132 against the retaining clip, herein against the rivets 138 thereof, t-o effectively retain the connector bar in the retracted position of FIGURE 9.

-The pivotal movement of the connector bar on the screw 135 is limited by the stop l163 of clip 140 so as to automatically position the connector bar in the retracted position juxtaposed to the drumhead 112, as best seen in FIGURE 9. A slight displacement of the connector bar from the radial plane of movement thereof may be 6 effected to dispose the connector bar end 145 on the clip 140, as shown in FIGURE 8, by virtue of the resilient retention `of the connector bar on the pivot screw afforded by the spring 160.

Thus, in each of drum apparatuses `1t) and 1110, the connector member, or bar, (32, 132) is effectively disposed radially within the counterhoop (15, 115) of the drum in the retracted position and is effectively retained in the retracted position while yet permitting ready swinging thereof to the connecting position when so desired by the user. The connector (31, 131) provides a positive interlocked connection between the drum (11, 111) and the pedal (.16, 11'6) which may be quickly and easily made and broken as desired by the user. The connectors (31, 131) are extremely simple and economical of construction, while yet providing `the highly desirable quickconnect functioning discussed above.

Referring now to FIGURES 1l and 112, a further modified form of drum apparatus generally designated 210 Iis shown to comprise a drum apparatus generally similar to drum apparatus 10 but having a further modified form of connector 231. In connector 231, the connector bar 232 -is fxedly attached to the pedal 216 by suitable means such as screws 232a. The female element of the connecting means 231 comprises a socket member 2311a defining a slot 244 in which the outer end of the connector member 232 is selectively received. The connector member is releasably secured in the slot 244 by a pin head 254 which is selectively insertable in a hole or opening -250 in the connector member, the selective movement of the pin being effected by suitable manipulation of a handle 256 connected to the pin head by a pin 2'53. The socket member 2'31 is secured to the counterhoop 215 by suitable means such as a clip 240 `secured to the c-ounterhoop by a screw 238 and a post 23'5 projecting rearwardly from the socket member through an opening 236 in the clip 240 and `a lock ring 236g. Thus, the socket member 23111 is disposed immediately in front of the drumhead 212 .at the bottom of the drum for facilitated connection and disconnection of the connector member 232 of the pedal.

Turning now to FIGURE 13, still another modified form of drum apparatus generally designated 310 is shown to comprise a drum apparatus generally similar to drum apparatus `10 but having a modified form of connector 331. Connector 331 is generally similar 'to connector v231, except that the socket member 331a is carried on a bracket 340 having an inner end 340a connected to the drum shell 313 by suitable means such as screws 338, and an outer end 34011 connected to the socket 33111 by suitable means such a's `screws 335. The bracket 340 further includes a U-shaped bight portion 340C arranged to extend under the counterhoop 3115 so as to dispose the socket 331a in front of the drumhead 312 with i-ts rearward most portion disposed radially within the outer end of the counterhoop 315. Thus, the socket member is disposed in substantially the same p0- sition in the connector 33-1 as in the connector 231, although connected to the drum shell rather than to the counterhoop as in connector 231.

Turning now to FIGURE |14, a further modified form of drum apparatus generally designated 410 is shown t0 comprise a drum apparatus generally similar to drum apparatus 10 but having a modified form of connector 431 wherein the connector bar 432 is carried on the drum shell 413 by means -of a bracket 440 having an inner end 440a secured to `the drum shell by suitable means such as screws 438. The bracket is further provided with a U-shaped bight portion 440e` carrying at its outer end a hinge `434 to which the connector member 432 is secured by suitable means such as rivet 436. Thus, connector 431 differs from connector 31 in the mounting of the hinge carrying the connector member on the shell of the drum rather than on lthe counterhoop.

In FIGURES 15 and 16, still another modified form of drum apparatus generally designated 510 is shown to comprise a drum apparatus generally similar to drum apparatus 410 except that the bracket 450 is provided with an outturned outer end 54Gb to which the connector member S32 is xedly secured by suitable means such as rivet 536. Further, the inner end 54th: of the bracket is provided with keyhole slots 540d cooperating with screws 538 to provide a readily detachable rm connection of the bracket 540 to the drum shell 513. Thus, connector 531 differs from connector i431 in that the connector member 532 is iixedly attached to the bracket S40 which is removably attachable to the drum shell. Thus, the connector member 532 may be removed from the drum as during transport of the drum, while yet it may be readily connected to the drum by simply locking the bracket 540 to the drum shell by means of the screws 538 whereby the pedal may be readily and immediately connected to the drum.

Except as otherwise indicated, each of the different embodiments of FIGURES 11 through 16 are similar to and function similarly to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 5. Elements of the embodiments of FIGURES 11 and 12 corresponding to elements of FIGURES l through are identified by similar reference numerals but two hundred higher. IElements of the structure illustrated in FIGURE 13 corresponding to `similar elements of the structure illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 5 are identified rby similar reference numerals but three hundred higher. Elements of the structure illustrated in FIGURE 14 corresponding to similar elements of the structure illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 5 are identilied by similar reference numerals but four hundred higher. Elements of the structure illustrated in 'FIGURES 15 and 16 corresponding to similar elements of the structure illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 5 are identified by similar reference numerals but live hundred higher.

Thus, in each of the embodiments of the invention as disclosed, the pedal is readily connectable to the drum in a new and improved manner. Each of the structural embodiments is extremely simple and economical of construction while yet providing the highly desirable advantages of eliminating the undesirable scratching and other marring of the drum which may occur with the known pedal connectors. Further, the disclosed pedal connectors provide an improved positive connection of the pedal to the drum as distinguished from the relatively impositive clamped engagement of the pedal connector to the drum as provided in conventional connector means.

I claim:

1. In a drum apparatus having a drum having a shell and an end provided with an annular counterhoop, and a pedal having a support and means for beating a drum as a result of actuation by a users foot, means for connecting said pedal to said drum, comprising: a connector member; hinge means swingably carrying said connector member on said drum; and means for detachably interlocking said connector member to said pedal support.

2. The drum apparatus of claim 1 wherein said interlocking means comprises a shoulder on said connector member, and a cooperating shoulder on said other of said pedal support and said counterhoop, -said `shoulders having facial abutment transversely to the direction of the extension of said pedal away from said drum when said drum pedal is connected to said counterhoop by said connecting means.

3. The drum apparatus of claim 1 wherein said interlocking means comprises a shoulder on said connector member, and a cooperating shoulder on said other of said pedal support and said counterhoop, said shoulders having facial abutment transversely to the direction of the extension of said pedal away from said drum when said pedal is connected to said counterhoop by said connecting means, one of said shoulders being ydefined by means dening an opening and the other of said shoulders 8 being defined by a latch selectively insertable into said opening.

4. In a drum apparatus having a drum having an end provided with an annular counterhoop and a pedal having a support and means for beating a drum as a result of actuation by a users foot, means for connecting said pedal to said counterhoop, comprising:

a connector member; means swingably carrying said connector member on said counterhoop;

means for detachably interlocking said connector member to said pedal support; and

means for limiting the swing of said connector member toward said drum end to a retracted position wherein said connector member is closely spaced from said drum end.

5. The drum apparatus of claim 4 wherein said connector is disposed fully radially within said annular counterhoop in said retracted position.

6. The drum apparatus of claim 4 wherein said carrying means is secured to a radially outer portion of said counterhoop.

7. The drum apparatus of claim 4 wherein said carrying means is secured to a radially outer portion of said counterhoop and said limiting means is secured to a radially inner portion of said counterhoop.

8. The drum apparatus of claim 4 wherein said carrying means and said limiting means are secured to radially inner portions of said counterhoop.

9. The drum apparatus of claim 4 wherein said carrying means includes spring means providing for limited movement of said connector member transversely to the direction of swing thereof.

10. In a drum apparatus having a drum having an end provided with an annular counterhoop and a pedal having a support and means for beating a drum as a result of actuation by a users foot, means for connecting said pedal to said counterhoop, comprising: a connector member; means swingably carrying said connector member on said counterhoop for movement between an extended position and a retracted position; means for detachably interlocking said connector member to said pedal support and means for releaseably holding said connector member in said retracted position.

11. The drum apparatus of claim 10 wherein said carrying and holding means comprises frictionally tight hinge means.

12. The drum apparatus of claim 10 wherein said holding means comprises a clip carried on said counterhoop and spaced from said carrying means.

13. The drum apparatus means of claim 3 wherein said hinge means swingably carries said connector member on said' shell.

14. The drum apparatus means of claim 3 wherein said hinge means swingably carries said connector member on said counterhoop.

15. In a drum apparatus having a drum having a shell and an end provided with an annular counterhoop, and a pedal having a support and means for beating a drum as a result of actuation by a users foot, means for connecting said pedal to said drum, comprising: a bracket; a connector member swingably connected to said bracket; interlocking shoulder means on said shell and said bracket removably connecting said bracket to said shell; and means for detachably interlocking said connector member to said pedal support.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,319,994 10/1919 Dorn 84--422 1,456,242 5/1923 Leedy 84-411 3,030,847 4/1962 Thompson 84-422 RICHARD B. WILKINSON, Primary Examiner. LAWRENCE R. FRANKLIN, Assistant Examiner. 

